Hua Xia Shi Bao·2025-08-30 05:42Core Viewpoint - The performance of China's six major state-owned banks in the first half of 2025 demonstrates their strong profitability and investment value, with a total net profit exceeding 690 billion yuan and a total dividend payout expected to exceed 200 billion yuan, reinforcing their status as "cash cows" in the capital market [2][15]. Group 1: Financial Performance - The six major banks achieved a total net profit of over 690 billion yuan in the first half of 2025, with all banks announcing mid-term dividend plans totaling over 200 billion yuan [2][15]. - Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) reported the highest operating income of 427.09 billion yuan, but its net profit decreased by 1.46% year-on-year to 168.80 billion yuan [5][6]. - Agricultural Bank of China (ABC) ranked third in operating income with 369.90 billion yuan and a net profit increase of 2.5% to 139.94 billion yuan [7]. Group 2: Asset Quality - All six banks reported a year-on-year decline in non-performing loan (NPL) ratios, indicating improved asset quality [8][9]. - Postal Savings Bank of China had the lowest NPL ratio at 0.92%, while ICBC and Construction Bank both reported NPL ratios of 1.33% [8][9]. - The provision coverage ratios remained high, with ICBC at 217.71% and ABC at 295%, indicating strong risk mitigation capabilities [8][9]. Group 3: Net Interest Margin - The net interest margin (NIM) for all six banks showed a collective decline, with the range of decrease between 0.08% to 0.21% [10][11]. - Postal Savings Bank led with a NIM of 1.7%, followed by Construction Bank at 1.4% and ABC at 1.32% [10][13]. - The banks' management expressed expectations for a continued decline in NIM, but with a narrowing rate of decrease in the second half of the year [14]. Group 4: Dividend Distribution - The total expected dividend payout from the six banks is over 200 billion yuan, with dividend rates generally around 30% [15][18]. - ICBC plans to distribute approximately 50.40 billion yuan, while ABC intends to distribute about 41.82 billion yuan, both maintaining a 30% payout ratio [15][16]. - The consistent high dividend payout ratios reflect the banks' confidence in their operational stability and aim to attract long-term investors [17][18].